The Marvel Rivals Version 20250221 patch, released on February 21, 2025, introduces significant updates, including new heroes, a new map, balance adjustments, and system optimizations.

New Content:

• Heroes:

  • Human Torch: A high-flying Duelist capable of hurling fireballs and creating fiery areas that inflict damage.

  • The Thing: A tanky Vanguard character focusing on melee attacks and crowd control.

• Map:

  • Empire of Eternal Night: Central Park: A new map set in a nocturnal urban environment, offering unique challenges and strategic opportunities.

Balance Adjustments:

This patch focuses on refining gameplay by adjusting the effectiveness of various heroes:

• Strategists:

  • Cloak & Dagger and Luna Snow: Ultimate abilities have been weakened to reduce their dominance in high-level play.

  • Loki: Adjustments made to decrease his overall impact in matches.

• Duelists and Vanguards:

  • Iron Fist: Reworked to function more as a brawler, enhancing effectiveness against tanks.

  • Iron Man, Captain America, Magik, The Thing, and Human Torch: Received power increases to improve their viability in various team compositions.

System Optimizations:

• Overtime Grace Period: An additional 0.5 seconds of grace time has been added at the end of overtime in all modes to prevent abrupt game endings.

• Matchmaking: In Quick Mode, matchmaking for substitutes will no longer occur when a match is about to end.

• Loading Speed: Improved loading times at the start of matches for a smoother experience.

Rank Adjustments:

Initially, a midseason rank reset was planned, which would have reduced players' ranks by four divisions. However, after community feedback, this decision was reversed. Players will retain their current ranks into the second half of Season 1.

Seasonal Rewards:

• Gold Rank Rewards: Players achieving Gold rank or higher in the second half of Season 1 can earn the "Blood Shield" costume for Invisible Woman and the new "Blood Blaze" costume for Human Torch.

• Crests of Honor: Distinct designs are available for players reaching Grandmaster, Celestial, Eternity, and the Top 500.

This update aims to enhance the gaming experience by introducing fresh content, refining hero balance, and implementing system improvements based on player feedback.